Issue 149

Let's go fly a kite

20th November 2006

The Swansea university kite surfing club was founded two years ago and has since gone from strength to strength. The club has attracted new members of all levels of experience to make a well rounded club.

The club is affiliated with the SKA, (Student Kite Surfing Association), which is an association that regulates all the university kite clubs. This clearly an integral part to the kite surfing club's success because, unlike most university sports, they do not have any kind of BUSA recognition. The most recent SKA event held was the Aussie Kiss V which was held at Watergate bay in Cornwall. This gave our newest members the chance to learn how to kite.

The more experienced members were happy to show the newer members how to comfortably control a kite, allowing you the space needed but also holding on if the wind got too strong, allowing them to confidently begin flying the kite.

Strong winds and a quiet beach allowed the experienced kite surfers to have their own quiet playground, free from the distractions of others they would normally have to avoid.

With the wind so strong, beginners were put to the test, controlling a kite while in mid air is a little more difficult than it looks, with those who had some practice under their belt tearing up the 8 foot waves and enjoying the conditions.

As the morning session drew to a close, the wind got stronger. With some kite damage and tangled lines, the afternoon tuition was cancelled and the competition was also called off. This was a shame as everyone was looking forward to pitting themselves against the best other universities had to offer.

The Sunday session started later, accounting for the night before so everyone was out of their caravans by 11.30 not 8.30. However, the weather was still not favourable, the impossible conditions saw the day cancelled another disappointment for the club. So it was homeward bound for the convoy of kite surfers.

To sum up the weekend, fun was had by all, from beginners to fully flown experts. It was definitely a shame that the elements turned on the club to cut their trip short but the social and upbeat nature of the society means that they dealt with it in true style and still insisted on having a good time.

The club meets in JC's every Friday night around 7 for people who are intersted in becoming a member of the club.

These is also a website www.kiteaholics.com where you are able to register and become a member.

Jenny Carlisle